The Very Best of Abode Records

When Kai Cant launched Abode in 2014, he had a vision for its future. Still, he surely did not expect to be putting on international festivals, hosting a record label, and maintaining a residency in Ibiza. At the time of its conception, Kai wished to create an event series where vibe and sound mattered more than big splashy headliners. So, he centered his events around a stable of solid resident DJs, each uniquely selected for their individuality. Jimmy Switch was the first to play his shows, followed by the legendary GW Harrison. Soon after, Will Taylor, Jack Swift, Devstar, and Ellie Cocks joined the roster. With sounds ranging from garage to tech house and techno, Abode began to build a name for themselves as one of the most unique parties out there. 

Just two years after the first Abode event, it became clear that a record label was needed. The brand had quickly built up equity amongst house music fans, and the event’s unique bookings led to a clamoring for more. 

With the release of the Round My House EP by Rob Cockerton in August of 2016, Abode Records was born. Since its inception, Abode Records has maintained a position as a true tastemaker in the world of electronic music. Primarily focusing on house and tech house sounds, Abode has regularly delivered dance floor smashing records while also consistently being at the forefront of identifying rising talent.

The label saw immediate success, which led to further growth on the event side of things for the Abode crew. As their profile grew, so did the budgets and scale of events. Within a few years, Abode began to regularly throw large, festival-style events, booking the hottest names in dance music while also maintaining a residency at the legendary Amnesia club in Ibiza. 

A part of the experiential travel and party platform, Pollen, Abode is expanding even further to other parts of the world. Their upcoming takeover in Las Vegas is the first time American audiences will have the opportunity to experience the madness of an Abode event. And with a lineup that includes the legendary Abode residents and mainstays on the festival scene like Skream, Fat Boy Slim, Joel Corry, Claptone, Sonny Fodera, Solardo, and Jamie Jones.

We’ve gathered a selection of Abode’s finest house bops to get you primed and ready for a weekend in Sin City with the crew.

GW Harrison - When House Takes A Journey

“When house takes a journey, from jack, Chicago, to acid house….” Any true house music devotee now knows the iconic line of GW Harrison’s track. The Abode resident made his imprint on the label with this legendary tech house burner, layering a scintillating vocal hook over a tech house beat.  

Pass The Bottle - Pax

Released in 2019, “Pass the Bottle” combines soulful vocals with Pax’s signature low-end bassline. The track was a highlight for Pax in what was a career year, another signifier of Abode’s ability to identify rising talent. 

Will Clarke - Tricky

Will Clarke is now firmly cemented in the world of techno after completing a masterful transition out of funky tech house. However, the switch only began a few years ago. 2019 saw WIll take small steps into experimenting with techno. “Tricky” was one of the first clues that he was experimenting with a new sound, implementing a hollow driving bass sound alongside a vicious build-up. 

Ellie Cocks - Like Tupac (Josh Butler Remix)

Ellie Cocks, one of Abode’s first residents, is a regular on the label. She typically brings her unique brand of banging techno, but this Josh Butler remix of her track takes it in a completely different direction. Reminiscent of the Josh Butler sound, the remix features vibey tech house drum patterns, creating a perfect late-night track. 

Caal, Baum - Chinese GIrl (Eskuche Remix)

Eskuche made a name for himself as a master remixer. Here, he layers a thick bouncing bassline over the repeating vocal sample. “Ima just do my thing” rings back and forth through your ears as the track becomes increasingly intoxicating. The slippery acid synth line is the perfect icing on the cake, perfect for the big room party and the intimate club.  

Eli Brown - Get it Together

Eli Brown is known for bringing higher BPM and a bit of that bangin’ warehouse energy to the world of tech house. That said, his offering on Abode is a more typical tech house offering, containing punchy vocal samples with a high energy build leading into a low-end drop. 

Cozzy D - The Upside Down (Mark Knight Remix)

Anytime Mark Knight pops up as a remixer, one must listen. So he naturally does not disappoint with his remix of “The Upside Down.” High energy house music at its finest, Mark Knight brings his soulful piano-laced sound to the track, creating a proper hands in the air and a smile on faces vibe.

Franky Rizardo - The Block

Franky Rizardo’s music knows no boundaries. He has often crossed genres throughout his career, although this early entry into Abode Records represents a more minimal tech house approach. Smooth drum patterns accompany a chopped-up vocal sample to create a straight groover. 

Sonny Fodera, Flash 89 - The System

In 2018, Abode records struck gold with this Sonny Fodera collab with fellow Aussie Flash 89. Another example of their prime talent spotting, the label inked Sonny to a track right as he was blowing up across stages worldwide. This is a proper tech house banger, bringing Sonny’s signature big room sound uniquely. 

Amine Edge & Dance, Clyde P - Make it Mine

Perpetual tastemakers Amine Edge & Dance and Clyde P collaborate for a masterful release on Abode Records. Showcasing the very best in tech house, this track is a masterclass in rhythm. Synth and vocal stabs hit all the right notes while a bassline as stiff as a strong drink maintains the core.

We put all of these tunes together on one epic playlist. Check it out.